Closure for protective covers



mg. 2, 1949, D. R. ANGUS 2,47%563 CLOSURE FOR PROTECTIVE COVERS Filed Sept. 21, 1945 2 She'etsSheet 1 INVENTOR.

DAVID R. ANGUS ATTORNEY.

D. R. ANGUS CLOSURE FOR PROTECTIVE COVERS Filed Sept. 21, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR DAVID R. ANGUS ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 2, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

(Granted under the act of March amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in moisture and vapor-proof covers, and more particularly to moisture and vaporproof closures for such covers.

In the maintenance and operation of aircraft, and particularly military aircraft, it is the practice to maintain reserve aircraft engines in a standby condition at the various bases and on board naval aircraft carriers so that in the event the engine or engines of a plane are in need of repair or overhaul, the plane need not be immobilized for a, period longer than is necessary to remove the present engine or engines and install one or more of the available standby engines. One of the major difficulties encountered in this practice is the problem of protecting the engines from corrosion, rust and the like due to atmospheric conditions while in a standby status.

In the endeavor to rovide adequate rotection for aircraft engines against corrosion and the like while in a standby status as described, a cover material that is characterized by its efficient moistur and vapor-proof properties and is adapted to protect aircraft engines effectively from the deleteriou effects of the atmosphere has been developed. In order to provide complete protection for the engine, covers therefor must be provided with suitable closure or connection means for the free edges of the cover structure that define the opening through which the cover is passed about the engine or other object, and one of the major problems encountered in providing an adequate cover structure has been the provision of a suitable cover closure that is wholly proof against the passage of moisture and vapor therethrough to the interior of the cover.

With the foregoing in mind, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a moisture and vapor-proof cover having a re-usable novel closure therefor that is entirely proof against the passage of moisture and vapor therethrough.

Another object is to provide a cover having a closure of the character described that is of relatively simplified construction and is opened or closed readily and easily as required.

A further object is to provide a novel cover closure havin the features and characteristics set forth that is comparatively inexpensive, can be embodied readily in a cover structure, and is highly eflicient and eifective in use and operation.

These and other objects of the invention, and the various features and details of the construc tion and operation thereof, are hereinafter fully set forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a view in perspective of a cover embodying a closure made according to the present invention, showing the component parts of the cover in detached relationship;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the component parts of the cover in assembled relationship, secured together by said closure;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view transversely through said closure showing the same in the process of being closed and illustrating certain features and structural details thereof;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing fur-- ther steps in effecting the closure; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a completed form of closure.

A closure embodying the present invention is shown in conjunction with an aircraft-engine cover that comprises a main cover-section l and an end cover-section 2, the said sections being constructed and arranged to be secured together as shown in Fig. 2 by means of a moisture and vapor-proof closure embodying the present invention.

The cover sections 1 and 2 are fabricated of flexible laminated material that consists of an inner layer of fabric or paper 3, and an outer layer of metallic foil 4, such as aluminum foil. The inner fabric or paper layer 3 and the outer metallic-foil layer 4 are bonded together thermally to provide a composite structure by means of a suitable thermoplastic hinder or adhesive such as Vinylite. A laminated material such as that described has been found to be entirely moisture and vapor-impervious and thus highly efiicient for use as a protective cover for aircraft engines and other articles subject to deterioration as the result of contact with the atmosphere.

A wholly moisture and vapor-proof closure-for such a cover is provided by connecting the edges of the cover sections l and 2 by means of a slide or zipper type fastener, and then providing an effective moisture and vapor-proof seal overlying the slide fastener to prevent the entrance of moisture and vapor therethrough. To this end, one side portion 5 of a suitable slide fastener 6 is secured by means of stitching to the free edgeportion 1 of the main cover-section I, and the other side portion 8 of the fastener B is secured similarly to the free edge-portion 9 of the cover end-section 2, the fastener B being operable in the conventional manner to secure the cover sections l and 2 together securely in the relation shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing.

For the purpose of providing an efficient moisture and vapor-proof seal over the slide fastener Ii when said fastener is closed, an edge portion I of a continuous strip II of metallic foil similar to the material of the outer layer 4 of the cover sections I and 2 is secured to the layer 4 of cover section l ngitudinally a cen and c extensive with said slide fastener. The metallic-foil strip preferably has a coating of a thermoplastic adhesive such as Vinylite, and its edge portion I0 is se cured to the cover layer 4 by the application of heat to bond said edge portion Hi thermally to the exterior surface of the cover section I, The strip II is made sufiiciently wide so that, with the edge portion I0 thereof secured to the section I as described, a free strip portion I2 of substantial width is provided adjacent the fastener 6, as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing.

In like manner, the edge portion I3 of a similar, continuous, metallic-foilstrip I4 is secured to the exterior of the cover end-sectlon 2, said strip I4 being rang d so that a substantial width of the strip adiacent; the fastener 5. is left free, as indicat-ed a I5. As shown, the free portion I 5. of: the strip. I4 need not be as wide a the free portion l2 0f the Strip II, and the dimensions of the two strips. H and M can be correlated so that the. portion I2 of the former laps the free portion [5 of the latter when it is. folded outwardly or away from the fastener 6. as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing.

After the cover sections I and 2 have been see cured together by closin the slide, fastener- 6 in the usual manner, an adhesive strip I6, which is characterized by its high moisture and vapor-lin perv-ious properties is. secured in external relation overlying the closed fastener 6. This strip. it, can be. of the pressure sensitive type. embodying a rubber base adhesively, and it. must. be of sufficient. width so that it. overlies the fastener (i, and the adiacent. edge portions of the. cover main and endsections I and 2 (see Fig. 4)..

With the fastener Ii closed and the seal strip. l8 applied as shown and described, the free pore tion I5 of the external foil-strip I4 is folded out-1 wardly awayf-rom the fastener If, and the free portion. 12 of the other external foil-strip It is positioned in overlying relation with respect. to the seal strip Hi and the outwardly folded portion Is. of the external strip 14 as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing. The ends of the thus lapped free pore t-ions I2 and I5 ofthe strips It and It then are folded over and the said free strip portions, with their folded ends, are folded in the. direction of the fastener 6 so that the end fold thereof is dis posed in longitudinally overlying relation with respect to the seal strip I0 and the slide fastener 6, as indicated at I1 in Fig. 5 of the drawing.

A closure constructed and arranged as de scribed and shown provides a moisture vaporproof' closure for covers of the type and character set forth that is highly efficient and capable of; preventing the penetration therethrough of moisture and vapor for substantially indefinite periods of time. To provide further insurance against the passage of moisture and vapors through the closure and to obtain an effective substantially permanent seal, an adhesive strip {8 of good moisture and vapor-impervious properties, issecured' over the folded edge portion I! of the strips H and It. The strip I8 can be similar in s p operties and comp si ion to the strip 6 de scribed previ usly. Fur ermore, as. the external str ps I and 4 are coated. a sui abl thermoplastic adhesive as hereinbefore described, the

folded ends I1 of the strips I I and M can be heatsealed together effectively by the application of heat and pressure thereto.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel closure for cover structures that is entirely proof against the inleakage of moisture and vapors. The invention also provides .a novel cover closure of the character stated that is of relatively simplified construction, and that can be closed or opened readily and easily as required. Furthermore, the invention provides a novel cover closure having the features and characteristics set forth that is comparatively inexpensive, can be embodied readily in a cover structure, and that is highly effective and eiiicient in use and operation.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such disclosure, and changes and modiiioations can be made therein and thereto within the ope of the claims.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon o therefor.

I claim:

1. In a moisture and vapor-proof cover structu hav ng an openin defined by a pair of edge portions of the structure, a moisture and vaporproof closure for said opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured o one edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the oth r edge of said cover and operable to secure the some to e her, and moisture and vapor-imporvious flexible metallic-foil. strips having an edge portion secur d o the. exterior surface of the. cover s ructure inwardly adjacent. and. coextensive of. t e edge portions thereof and providing strip portions. interfolded in. overlapping relation outwardly of said slide. fasten r.

2. In a moisture. and vapor-proof cover structure. ha ing an opening defined by a. pair of edge. portion of the structure. a moisture and vapor proof clo ure for said openin comprising a slid fastener havin a. part hereof secured to one edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to. he. other edge. of said cover to secure the some to.- sether, moisture and vapor-impervious flexible metallic-foil s rips having an edge portion. secur d o the ext rior surface. of the over st c r inweirdly adjac nt. and coextensive of. he edge portions thereof and providing strip portions. interfolded i overlapping relation outwardly of said slide f tener, and means to maintain and. secure aid strips in aid interfolded relation.

In. a moisture and. vapor roof c ver struo ture having an opening defined by a pair of. edge po t on of the struct a m ist re and vaporproo-f closure for. sa d o ening, comprising a slide. fastener havin a part thereof secured to one. edge of the cover and an ther part thereof, secured to the other edge of said cover to secure said edges together, a moisture and vapQr imperVious Seal strip secured external and lengthwise of the lide, f stener, and moisture and vap -imperv o flexible m tallic ioil strips having an ed e. porion secur d to t e exter or surfa e o the cover structure inwardly adj cent and. coextensive. of the edge portions thereof and providing strip pore tions inte fol d. in overlapping. re ation ou wardly of sai sli e fas enen.

4. In a mo sture d v por-pr of. cover s ru sture having an opening defined by a pair of edge portions of the structure, a moisture and vaporproof closure for said opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other edge of said cover to secure said edges together, a moisture and vapor-impervious seal strip secured externally and lengthwise of the slide fastener, and moisture and vapor-impervious flexible metallic-foil strips having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of the cover structure inwardly adjacent and coextensive of the edge portions thereof and providing strip portions interfolded in overlapping relation outwardly of said slide fastener, and means to maintain and secure said strips in the interfolded relation outwardly overlying said slide fastener.

5. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first strip having an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such. cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves.

6. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves, and a third strip secured to a portion of the exterior surfaces of said first and second strips.

7. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and. another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together. a first strip havin an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such. cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves, and a third strip having an adhesive backing secured removably to a portion of the exterior surfaces of said first and second strips.

8. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide 6. fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener bein operable to secure said edges together, a first strip having an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves, and a third strip having an adhesive backing secured removably to a portion of the exterior surfaces of said first and second strips coextensive the lengths thereof.

9. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent to and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves.

10. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free-edge portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge-portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves, and. a third strip secured to a portion of the exterior surfaces of said first and second strips.

11. In a cover structure having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover and another part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge-portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edge portion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edgeportion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped. together back over themselves, and a third strip having an adhesive backing secured. re-

m ably to a p rtion of theexterior surfaces 01' a first and s c nd stripsl 2. In a coverstrueture having an opening defined by a pair of free edge-portions of said structure, a closure for such opening comprising a slide fastener having a part thereof secured to one free edge of the cover andanother part thereof secured to the other free edge of such cover, said fastener being operable to secure said edges together, a first moisture and vapor-impervious strip having an edgeaportion secured to the exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with an edge-portion thereof and extending over a second moisture and vaporimpervious strip having an edge portion secured to the'exterior surface of such cover structure adjacent and coextensive with the other edge portion thereof and lapped back over the extending portion of said first strip, said strips being also lapped together back over themselves, and a third strip having an adhesive backing secured removably to a portion of the exterior surfaces of said first and second strips coextensive the lengths thereof.

DAVID R. ANGUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,183,652 Krich May 16, 1916 1,930,659 Purdy Oct. 1'7, 1933 2,371,776 Van Orman Mar. 20, 1945 

